topic Re: SCC in I've just been diagnosed

SCC

Jodie42 — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:27:19 GMT

I am 42 years old, scared, and I have an 11-year-old child.

I’ve recently been told I have squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). My bottom lip will need to be removed, and now it looks like I may also have one lymph node that needs to be removed.

For a long time, I thought it was just a cold sore. When I finally had it checked, I was told it wasn’t, but then my paperwork went missing. I was told, “we’ll call you,” but no one did. Five weeks later, when I followed up after calleing almost every day, I was told they didn’t have anyone under my name.

This has been really overwhelming, and I’m trying to process everything while being there for my child.

Re: SCC

Richard1 — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:56:28 GMT

It’s hard to do but try to take things one step at a time. Find a nice quiet spot where you can cry your heart out, release all of that negative energy and then focus on what needs to be done. Wake up, breakfast, shower, get kids ready ect, ect. And don’t be afraid or to proud to ask for help, having someone by your side will give you strength.

Re: SCC

Miranda_ccnsw — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:24:25 GMT

Hi @Jodie42

I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it's such a shock and can be a scary time. Facing surgery can bring up many emotions and surgery to your face and lip must be quite daunting. As a mother, you're not only worried about yourself, but also the needs of your child - it's very natural and a big thing to face.

Here are a couple of resources that may be of help to you:

Emotions and Cancer
Talking to Kids about Cancer

You may also wish to contact our team of health professionals on 13 11 20 to ask any questions and hear about any services that may be of support to you such as our Volunteer Support program, Cancer Connect or Counselling services.

For others out there who may have faced a similar surgery, what words of support helped you when you received your diagnosis?

Stay strong

Miranda

CCNSW

Re: SCC

Olddoug — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:57:18 GMT

Hi, I have learnt one thing about cancer treatment and that is if you dont click with your oncologist change immediately. I persisted with the lady I was with and she would not do things I wanted it was her way or the highway. I have recently spoken to another oncologist and he has told me it was possible to get the treatment the way i wanted. I should have changed early. You must also remember its your body. they wanted to pull all my teeth out before radiation and I said no. three years later they are still in my head. you must trust your instincts and do what you feel is right for you. dont be bullied by your doctors. get them to explain and take your time , ask lots of questions till you are satisfied. I have learnt a lot over the last four years as I was given 9 months to live if I did not have treatment after the head and neck cancer spread to my lungs. three years later its starting to get a bit knarly but the palliative care team are great. Good luck with what ever you decide and I am also scared its normal to be. find some sort of outlet , writing, singing, screaming walking who knows. I am 68 and doubt I will make it to 69, but who knows I just take each day at a time and write lots of stuff to get it out of my system. Doug